Reading: Isaiah 32:17
(www.biblegateway.com / www.bible.is/ )
Todays reading "FLOORED" me. Literally floored me. As I read it, something inside just clicked, and I went "ah ha". If only I had read it earlier. Today was one of those days where there was not "Peace" in my home or heart. I had an altercation with one of my children that left me feeling dirty and actually downright evil. Yes, I can be evil when pushed. And then, I come to Isaiah 32:17
"The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever"
Jesus reminds us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The issue is not peace at any cost, because that turns people like me into tyrants who try to "Enforce" peace (that is what I did this morning, and I just caused conflict) No - Peace is truly established where "Righteousness reigns".
Anderson reminds me (and you, if you are reading this) that external factors such as our families behaviour etc are actually outside of our control. Setting our goals around things that we cannot control will lead to disappointment (and in my case tyrannical autocracy) It is only when I "Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness" (eg - control myself - which is hard enough) that I will know quietness and assurance forever.
I love the phrase "The results of righteousness will be...." The Lord left nothing up to the imagination here. If we seek righteousness, the result will be peace. Maybe my kids will still be in a state of mayhem, but I will not further contribute to it"
Lord forgive me for trying to "Enforce the Peace" when what was really needed was my own personal righteousness that stems from you.
PJ
